Look in the mirror

Interesting article in recent Northwest Herald. It might have been titled, “How the Republicans defeated Romney and elected Obama.”

The power that politicians exert and actions they take are often not in our best interest. The only legal action I can take is to vote when the time comes.

Millions of Americans are unhappy with state and federal governments. The energy people spend moaning and complaining is incalculable. It goes on daily. Yet many can’t find the time or the ambition to exercise the only power they have to effect change.

How this country could evolve if the 42 percent of eligible voters who didn’t vote would harness a tiny bit of that energy and show up at a polling place once every 1,460 days for 10 minutes.

Public officials should work for the people, not their personal agendas. If they don’t, and they won’t accept term limits, take action. Vote them out. You have the power. When you don’t vote, however, you give your power to others who don’t think like you, believe what you believe, or have your best interest in mind. Your inaction gives them your power. It’s your choice. No action is still action.

Every vote cast counts. According to the article, if voter turnout had been similar to past elections, we would probably have a different president. If you didn’t vote, you helped elect our current president. If you’re happy, good. If not, maybe look in the mirror.